Hand-operable vacuum device

ABSTRACT

This patent relates to devices that can be manipulated by a user to expel or draw in a material. In one example, a hand-operable vacuum device can include an interface portion configured to contact a material. The hand-operable vacuum device can also include a deformable portion that extends along an axis that passes through the interface portion and wherein the deformable portion includes at least one longitudinally-oriented resilient structure that extends generally parallel to the axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate implementations of the conceptsconveyed in the present application. Features of the illustratedimplementations can be more readily understood by reference to thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings. Like reference numbers in the various drawings are usedwherever feasible to indicate like elements. Further, the left-mostnumeral of each reference number conveys the figure and associateddiscussion where the reference number is first introduced (wherefeasible).

FIGS. 1, 2, 7, 16-19, 25, 28, 29, 32, 35, 38, 41, 44, 47, and 50 areperspective views of example hand-operable vacuum devices in accordancewith some of the present concepts.

FIGS. 3-6, 8-15, and 24 are sectional views of portions of examplehand-operable vacuum devices in accordance with some of the presentconcepts.

FIGS. 20-23, 26, 27, 30, 31, 33, 34, 36, 37, 39, 40, 42, 43, 45, 46, 48,and 49 are elevational views of example hand-operable vacuum devices inaccordance with some of the present concepts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview

The present description relates to hand-operable vacuum devices. In somecases, hand-operable vacuum devices can be manipulated by a user to drawmaterial (e.g., solid, liquid, gas) into the device and/or expelmaterial from the device. In some cases, hand-operable vacuum devicescan be used to create a vacuum force or suction without necessarilydrawing material into the device, and/or to pressurize gases or liquidswithin the device. The hand-operable vacuum device can be constructedsuch that a user can squeeze and deform the device and then the deviceis resiliently biased to return to an original configuration. Theconstruction of the hand-operable vacuum device can include generallylongitudinally arranged resilient outwardly-biasing structures that biasthe device back to its original configuration more effectively thanexisting technologies. This effective bias can create relatively strongvacuum forces for drawing material into the hand-operable vacuum device.

Examples

FIGS. 1-11 collectively show an example of a hand-operable vacuum device100. FIGS. 1, 3, and 5 show the hand-operable vacuum device 100 in afirst configuration. FIGS. 2, 4, and 6 show the hand-operable vacuumdevice 100 manipulated into a second configuration by a human user.FIGS. 7-11 collectively show how the construction of the hand-operablevacuum device 100 promotes returning to the first configuration of FIGS.1, 3, and 5 when the user stops manipulating the device. Briefly, thehand-operable vacuum device 100 can be resiliently biased to assumeand/or return to the first configuration after user manipulation.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show perspective views of the hand-operable vacuum device.FIGS. 3-4 show sectional views of the hand-operable vacuum device takenalong section AA indicated in FIG. 1. Section AA is transverse to thex-reference axis and parallel to the yz-reference plane. FIGS. 5-6 showa component of the hand-operable vacuum device taken parallel to thexz-reference plane as indicated along section BB.

In some cases, the hand-operable vacuum device 100 can be thought of ashaving a deformable portion 102 and an interface portion 104 that caninclude a nozzle 105. The deformable portion 102 can extend along a longaxis that runs parallel to the x-reference axis. The deformable portioncan be generally elongated, spherical, or other shape. The deformableportion can include one or more resilient outwardly-biasing structures106. In some implementations the resilient outwardly-biasing structurescan be longitudinally oriented (i.e., parallel to the long axis). Inthis case, the hand-operable vacuum device includes a pair of resilientoutwardly-biasing structures 106(1) and 106(2).

The deformable portion 102 can be manipulated or squeezed by a user asindicated by arrows 402 and 404 to deform or squish the deformableportion. The squishing can bend the resilient outwardly-biasingstructures as can be seen by comparing FIGS. 5 and 6 which showresilient outwardly-biasing structure 106(1). FIG. 5 shows the resilientoutwardly-biasing structure in a resting or biased configuration. FIG. 6shows a bowed configuration of the resilient outwardly-biasing structureproduced by user manipulation.

FIGS. 7-11 show how the resilient outwardly-biasing structures 106(1)and 106(2) can return the deformable portion 102 to the restingconfiguration when the user stops applying pressure. Specifically,upward arrows 702(1) and 702(2) indicate the outward bias exerted byresilient outwardly-biasing structures 106(1) and 106(2), respectively.The outward bias returns the resilient outwardly-biasing structures fromthe bowed configuration of FIG. 8 to the more linear configuration ofFIG. 9. (In another implementation, the resilient outwardly-biasingstructures could be outwardly bowed at rest such that user manipulationcauses them to be less bowed.) The outward bias exerted by resilientoutwardly-biasing structures 106(1) and 106(2) facilitates returning thedeformable portion from the manipulated configuration of FIG. 10 to theresting configuration of FIG. 11. Returning the deformable portion tothe resting configuration can increase the volume thereof and canthereby create a very strong vacuum that can be utilized to drawmaterial into the interface portion 104 via nozzle 105.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of how the resilient outwardly-biasingstructures 106(1) and 106(2) can extend from a perimeter 1202 of thedeformable portion 102. In various implementations the resilientoutwardly-biasing structures can extend from the perimeter at an angle αthat is oblique or a right angle relative to the perimeter proximate tothe outwardly-biasing structure. In some implementations, the angle αcan be in a range from about 90 degrees to about 135 degrees. Otherimplementations may be outside this range.

The example implementations above include a pair of outwardly-biasingstructures 106(1) and 106(2). FIGS. 13-14 illustrate some alternativeimplementations of hand-operable vacuum devices.

FIG. 13 shows first and second pairs of outwardly-biasing structures1302(1), 1302(2) and 1304(1), 1304(2) on deformable portion 1306. Inthis example the first and second pairs are generally opposing oneanother, but such need not be the case. However, the present example canbe useful in facilitating the user's grip.

FIG. 14 shows an alternative implementation that includes threeoutwardly-biasing structures 1402(1), 1402(2), and 1402(3) on deformableportion 1404. In this case the outwardly-biasing structures extendoutwardly from perimeter 1406 rather than inwardly as illustrated in theexample implementations of FIGS. 1-13.

FIG. 15 offers another implementation with two outwardly-biasingstructures 1502(1) and 1502(2) on deformable portion 1504. In this case,the outwardly-biasing structures are generally elliptical rather thanlinear when viewed in cross-section. Other shapes and/or configurationscan alternatively or additionally be utilized.

FIG. 16 shows an example hand-operated vacuum device 1600 that can beemployed as a specimen collector, among other uses.

FIG. 17 shows an example hand-operated vacuum device 1700 that can beemployed as a throat aspirator, among other uses.

FIG. 18 shows an example hand-operated vacuum device 1800 that can beemployed as a dental squirt pick, among others.

FIG. 19 shows an example hand-operated vacuum device 1900 that can beemployed as a nose aspirator, among others.

FIGS. 20-21 collectively show another example of a hand-operated vacuumdevice 2000 that can be employed to various uses. In this case, thehand-operated vacuum device 2000 includes deformable portion 2002 andinterface portion 2004. The deformable portion 2002 includes resilientoutwardly-biasing structures 2006(1) and 2006(2). The interface portion2004 includes a removable cap 2008 that covers a nozzle 2010.

FIG. 20 shows the removable cap 2008 in place on the interface portion2004. FIG. 21 shows the hand-operated vacuum device 2000 with the capremoved to expose nozzle 2010. The removable cap 2008 can be formedduring manufacture of the hand-operated vacuum device 2000 and/or addedto the hand-operated vacuum device. For instance, the removable cap canbe formed as part of the hand-operated vacuum device to help maintaininternal conditions of the hand-operated vacuum device. For instance,the removable cap could be utilized to maintain sterile conditions inthe hand-operated vacuum device until the cap is removed at the time ofuse. The user can remove the removable cap, such as by twisting. Theuser can then squeeze the deformable portion and place the nozzle 2010near a sample to be collected. The user can reduce and/or release thepressure on the deformable portion to create a vacuum that draws thesample into the hand-operated vacuum device. In some implementations,the removable cap 2008 can be re-installed to maintain the sample andavoid cross-contamination.

In other configurations, the hand-operated vacuum device 2000 can bemanufactured and filled with a liquid, such as a wound cleansingantiseptic solution or a mouthwash. The removable cap can then be addedto maintain the integrity of the liquid until use. A user can remove theremovable cap and propel the liquid from the nozzle by squeezing thedeformable portion 2002.

FIGS. 22-25 collectively show an example hand-operated vacuum device2200 that can be employed as a vacuum pump, among other uses. Forexample, hand-operated vacuum device 2200 can be employed as a penispump and/or vacuum constriction device, such as used with respect toerectile dysfunction. In this example, the hand-operated vacuum device2200 can be employed to create relatively strong vacuum forces, but notnecessarily to draw material into the hand-operable vacuum device. Inthis case, the hand-operated vacuum device 2200 includes deformableportion 2202 and interface portion 2204. The deformable portion 2202includes resilient outwardly-biasing structures 2206(1) and 2206(2). Thehand-operated vacuum device 2200 can also include a nozzle 2210, a vent2212, ridges 2214, and a constriction ring 2216 (not all ridges 2214 arelabeled to avoid clutter on the drawing page).

FIG. 24 shows a sectional view of hand-operable vacuum device 2200 takenalong section CC indicated in FIG. 22. Section CC is transverse to thex-reference axis and parallel to the yz-reference plane. At least partof the interface portion 2204 of hand-operated vacuum device 2200 canhave a generally circular cross-sectional shape, as shown in FIG. 24,for example. The deformable portion 2202 of hand-operated vacuum device2200 can have a cross-sectional shape similar to the deformable portionof hand-operated vacuum device 100 shown in FIG. 3.

In some implementations, the vent 2212 can be an alternative opening tothe nozzle 2210 for air to flow in and out of the hand-operated vacuumdevice 2200. The vent 2212 can be ergonomically positioned on thehand-operated vacuum device 2200 such that a user can place their thumbor finger over the vent 2212. The ridges 2214 can provide friction tomake the hand-operated vacuum device 2200 easier to grasp by the user.The constriction ring 2216 can be a separate part. The constriction ringcan be designed with a size and shape such that the constriction ringlies flush against an outer end of the nozzle while the hand-operatedvacuum device 2200 is being used. Other shapes and/or configurations ofvents, ridges, and/or constriction rings can alternatively oradditionally be utilized.

The hand-operated vacuum device 2200 can be made in a variety of sizes.For example, the hand-operated vacuum device 2200 could be offered inrelatively “small,” “medium,” and “large” sizes. The sizing of thehand-operated vacuum device 2200 can correspond to a diameter of thenozzle 2210 and/or the constriction ring 2216. For instance, an outerdiameter of the constriction ring can range from approximately 1⅜ inchesto 1⅝ inches for the various sizes, while an inner diameter of theconstriction ring can range from 13/16 inches to 1⅛ inches. An overalllength of the hand-operated vacuum device 2200 can also varyaccordingly. Other dimensions and/or sizing options are contemplated forthe various hand-operated vacuum devices.

FIGS. 26-28 collectively show an example hand-operated vacuum device2600 that can be employed as a dental squirt pick, among other uses. Inthis case, the hand-operated vacuum device 2600 includes deformableportion 2602 and interface portion 2604. The hand-operated vacuum device2600 can also include a nozzle 2610. In this example, the deformableportion 2602 can have a transition section 2618. Hand-operated vacuumdevice 2600 can also include and a transition interface 2620. Thetransition interface 2620 will be described below relative to theexample implementation shown in FIG. 29.

In some implementations, when employed as a dental squirt pick intendedfor use by an adult, an overall length of hand-operated vacuum device2600 can be approximately 6 inches from an end of the deformable portion2602 to a far end of the nozzle 2610. Where the hand-operated vacuumdevice is intended for use a dental squirt pick by a child, the overalllength could be less than that intended for use by the adult, such aseighty percent less, or approximately 5 inches. Other lengths and/orother dimensions are contemplated.

FIG. 29 shows an example hand-operated vacuum device 2600(A) thatincludes elements that are similar to hand-operated vacuum device 2600.Hand-operated vacuum device 2600(A) can be manufactured as multiplepieces. For example, interface portion 2604(A) can be removably securedto deformable portion 2602(A) using transition interface 2620(A). Inthis case, the interface portion 2604(A) can include a rim 2922 and aninsert portion 2924. The insert portion 2924 of the interface portion2604(A) can slide into a top end of the transition section 2618(A) ofthe deformable portion 2602(A). The rim 2918 can seat against a top faceof the transition section 2618(A) and thereby limit how far theinterface portion 2604(A) extends into the deformable portion 2602(A).The transition interface 2620(A) can be placed down over the interfaceportion 2604(A). An exterior of the transition section 2618(A) caninclude threading (shown but not designated) that coordinates withthreading on an interior of the transition interface 2620(A) to securethe interface portion 2604(A) to the deformable portion 2602(A) usingthe transition interface 2620(A). Other shapes and/or configurations ofnozzle interfaces and/or attachment methods can alternatively oradditionally be utilized.

FIGS. 30-32 collectively show an example hand-operated vacuum device3000 that can be employed as an extractor, among other uses. Forinstance, the extractor could be used to extract blackheads, pimples,ticks, and/or splinters. In this case, the hand-operated vacuum device3000 includes interface portion 3004, nozzle 3010, and transitioninterface 3020. In this example, the interface portion 3004 is angledsuch that nozzle 3010 extends away from a central long axis of thehand-operated vacuum device that is parallel to the x-reference axis andpasses through a center of the transition interface 3020. In thisinstance, the nozzle 3010 extends further from the central long axisthan an outwardly-facing edge (e.g., outer circumference, outerdiameter) of the transition interface 3020. Additionally, in thisexample, the nozzle 3010 is angled away from the x-reference axis in adirection that is parallel to the y-reference axis. Other directionsthat the nozzle is angled and/or other amounts that the nozzle isextended from the central long axis can alternatively be utilized.

FIGS. 33-35 collectively show an example hand-operated vacuum device3300 that can be employed as a cell collector, such as for Pap smears,among other uses. In this case, the hand-operated vacuum device 3300includes interface portion 3304.

FIGS. 36-38 collectively show an example hand-operated vacuum device3600 that can be employed as a cell collector, such as for Pap smears,among other uses. In this case, the hand-operated vacuum device 3600includes interface portion 3604. In this example, the interface portion3604 is shorter than the interface portion 3304 of hand-operated vacuumdevice 3300 shown in FIGS. 33-35. Different lengths for interfaceportions of hand-operated vacuum devices are contemplated. Additionally,hand-operated vacuum devices can be offered in a variety of sizes thatcorrespond to varying interface portion lengths. Note that in somecases, the length of the interface portion can vary amongst differentsize options while dimensions of other portions of the hand-operatedvacuum devices remain the same.

FIGS. 39-41 collectively show an example hand-operated vacuum device3900 that can be employed as a nose aspirator, among other uses.

FIGS. 42-44 collectively show an example hand-operated vacuum device4200 that can be employed as a portable bidet, among other uses.

FIGS. 45-47 collectively show an example hand-operated vacuum device4500 that can be employed as a breast pump or a travel breast pump,among other uses. The hand-operated vacuum device 4500 includes adeformable portion 4502, an interface portion 4504, a vent 4512, atransition section 4518, and a transition interface 4520. In thisexample, the transition section 4518 and the transition interface 4520can have threading (shown but not designated). The threading andtransition interface 4520 can be used to secure the deformable portion4502 to the interface portion 4504 similar to the example hand-operatedvacuum device 2600A shown in FIG. 29.

FIGS. 48-50 collectively show an example hand-operated vacuum device4800 that can be employed as a throat aspirator, among other uses.Hand-operated vacuum device 4800 can include a vent 4812. In thisexample, a vent cap 4814 can also be included.

Hand-operated vacuum devices can be manufactured utilizing varioustechniques and/or materials. For instance, in some implementations thehand-operated vacuum devices can be formed via a molding process, suchas injection molding or blow molding. Various materials can be utilizedincluding but not limited to various polymers. In some cases, a portionof a hand-operated vacuum device can be made from a different materialthan another portion. For instance, the interface portion can be madefrom a hard plastic. In another instance, referring to hand-operatedvacuum device 4500 shown in FIGS. 45-47, all or part of the interfaceportion 4504, including the transition interface 4520, can be made fromsilicone, while the deformable portion, including the transition section4518, can be made from a polymer, for example. In still anotherinstance, referring to hand-operated vacuum device 2200 shown in FIGS.22-25, the constriction ring 2216 can be made from rubber, for example.

In some cases the hand-operated vacuum devices can be manufactured as asingle piece, yet the interface portion can be thicker than thedeformable portion so that the interface portion is relatively rigidwhile the deformable portion is readily deformed by a user. Forinstance, such a configuration can be achieved by blow molding where thepolymer is introduced at the interface end of the hand-operated vacuumdevice. In one such example, the deformable portion can have an averagethickness of 0.1-0.3 millimeters while the interface portion has anaverage thickness of 0.3-0.6 millimeters. In other examples, thehand-operated vacuum devices can be manufactured as multiple pieces.

In summary, hand-operable vacuum devices are described that can allowgreat vacuum (and/or expulsion) forces to be created by a user. Thehand-operable vacuum devices can be inexpensively manufactured and canbe disposable and/or reusable. In some instances, the hand-operablevacuum devices can be manufactured and/or packaged so that the devicesare sterile until the packaging is opened. Further, the hand-operablevacuum devices lend themselves to construction from materials that canbe transparent so that the user can see the contents (if any).

Conclusion

Although specific examples of hand-operable vacuum devices are describedin language specific to structural features, it is to be understood thatthe subject matter defined in the appended claims is not intended to belimited to the specific features described. Rather, the specificfeatures are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claimedstatutory classes of subject matter.

1. A device, comprising: an interface portion defining an opening; and,an elongate deformable portion extending along an axis, wherein theelongate deformable portion includes multiple longitudinally-orientedresilient structures that extend generally parallel to the axis, whereina user can squeeze the elongate deformable portion into a manipulatedconfiguration to reduce a volume of the device and the multiplelongitudinally-oriented resilient structures bias the elongatedeformable portion back to a resting configuration that expands thevolume of the device.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein across-sectional area of the interface portion measured perpendicular tothe axis is greater than a cross-sectional area of the elongatedeformable portion measured perpendicular to the axis.
 3. The device ofclaim 2, further comprising a transition interface that secures theinterface portion and the elongate deformable portion.
 4. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the elongate deformable portion includes a vent.
 5. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the elongate deformable portion includes atransition section and the interface portion includes an insert portionthat is configured to fit inside the transition section.
 6. The deviceof claim 5, further comprising a transition interface that secures theinterface portion to the transition section of the elongate deformableportion.
 7. A device, comprising: an deformable portion extending alongan axis, the deformable portion including longitudinally-orientedresilient structures that extend generally parallel to the axis and areconfigured to expand a volume of the deformable portion back to aresting configuration in an instance where a user releases pressure onthe deformable portion; an interface portion extending along the axisand defining an opening; and, a transition interface that secures theinterface portion to the deformable portion.
 8. The device of claim 7,wherein the interface portion includes an insert portion that fitsinside the deformable portion.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein theinterface portion includes a rim that limits how far the insert portionextends inside the deformable portion.
 10. The device of claim 9,wherein the transition interface fits against the rim and attaches to atransition section of the deformable portion.
 11. The device of claim 7,wherein the transition interface, the deformable portion, and theinterface portion are manufactured as separate pieces.
 12. The device ofclaim 7, wherein the transition interface is manufactured from adifferent material than the interface portion.